Description
Tahoe Children's Foundation, doing business as Tahoe's Connection for Families (TCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides education and support for families and their children from pregnancy to age 48 months. TCF was founded in 2001 to fill the need in the community for early childhood programs in the North Lake Tahoe area, a place where many do not have access to the guidance and support an extended family provides. TCF believes that strong, responsible, respectful parents shape strong, responsible, respectful children. TCF provides parents with the tools and support they need to be their children's number one educators.
TCF offers its programs at its center in Incline Village and primarily serves Incline Village, however, families from as far as Reno, Gardnerville, Truckee and South Shore travel to TCF to take advantage of the quality parenting education and support offered. TCF is not a drop-off day care center. Its programs are interactive, designed for children and their accompanying adult. TCF is staffed by a paid Child Development Specialist with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and parenting education and a Family Specialist with over 20 years of teaching experience.
Children who have come through our programs have a strong sense of self, the ability to transition to preschool easily and are more prepared to be good citizens of the world. Our parents are empowered to raise these children through knowledge, skill and hands on learning in an atmosphere of support.
INFANT PROGRAM
Families with infants under 12 months of age bring their babies to TCF to learn information from a Child Development Specialist about positive parenting skills, parent child interactions, and optimal growth and development. Classes include brain development, infant massage, baby sign language, first foods, sleep issues, post partum depression, childproofing the home, baby tooth care, separation issues, rashes, weaning, autism, parents night out, tummy time and more.
TODDLER PROGRAM
Families with children ages 1 to 4 years come to TCF to participate in socialization activities, sensory play, gym time, exposure to art and music, and parenting classes geared toward easing the family's journey through this fun and challenging developmental time. As part of each program period, parenting classes are held by a Child Development Specialist in a separate room while children are supervised in other activities by a Family Specialist and a volunteer parent. Classes include setting limits, road to independence, potty training, sibling harmony, whining, pool/water safety, math/science games, language memory games, fine motor games, telling stores, preschool readiness and more.
THE NEWBORN EXPERIENCE
Expectant parents learn what they can look forward to upon baby's arrival. This periodic class, led by a Child development Specialist and a Pediatric Nurse, is designed to increase parent confidence and help with the transition home from the hospital.
DADDY AND ME
Opportunity for dads to participate with their child and to meet other dads in the community. Parenting classes and open discussion are led by a Child Development Specialist and address topics of concern to dads.
OTHER SERVICES
Private appointments for personal consultations and coaching, developmental screening and lactation information are available from a Child Development Specialist. Home visitations are available upon request. Periodic guest speakers on specialized topics include pediatricians, speech therapists and fire fighters. Court mandated parenting education and counseling is also available.
